International Organisation of Employers is looking for an Independent Consultant – Freedom of Association and Effective Social Dialogue

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR AN INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT TO SUPPORT EMPLOYERS ON FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION

The International Organisation of Employers (IOE), in partnership with the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Geneva Office (KAS) is seeking expressions of interest from an independent consultant to support research work on Freedom of Association and Effective Social Dialogue.

About IOE:

IOE is the largest private sector network in the world, representing 50 million businesses through 150 national employers' and business organisations. IOE is the sole representative of business in social and employment policy debates taking place at the International Labour Organization (ILO), the United Nations, G20 and other global forums. IOE is recognised for its unique expertise, advocacy, and influence as a powerful and balanced voice for business at the international level. IOE consolidates the perspectives and priorities of national employers' and business organisations in one single, effective, and coherent voice. Our vision is to create a sustainable economic environment worldwide, promoting free enterprise that is fair and beneficial to both business and society.

About KAS:

The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) is a German political foundation active in Germany and in over 110 countries worldwide. Through policy analysis and advisory work, KAS contributes to strengthening peace, freedom and justice, with a particular focus on the promotion of democracy, the intensification of the transatlantic relationship and development cooperation. KAS established its Multilateral Dialogue Office in Geneva to engage with key issues on the agenda of International Geneva, including trade, global health, migration, human rights, digital affairs, and peace and security. The office facilitates dialogue between the foundation's global network and Geneva-based organisations, while producing reports, analyses and policy materials that provide expert audiences and the interested public with first-hand insight into multilateral processes. In doing so, KAS Geneva seeks both to improve understanding of the work of Geneva-based organisations and to introduce the foundation's guiding principles into multilateral debates.

Background:

Across regions, democratic governance is increasingly being challenged by geopolitical fragmentation, political polarisation and rising social tensions. As a result, companies can find themselves in progressively challenging environments which can negatively impact the environment for doing business, including for SMEs and business associations.

Political instability can make it more difficult for businesses to plan and operate, because regulatory unpredictability can hinder commitments to long-term investments, due to a perceived increase of operational risks. Business behaviour is fundamentally predicated upon the future economic environment, therefore, deteriorating regulatory environments that lead to market uncertainty can deter long-term growth; not just for businesses but also even for prospective workers who may be discouraged from considering additional skills development. It is therefore essential for businesses to operate in environments with legitimate, resilient, and inclusive governance institutions.

Employers' organisations represent the private sector and play a vital role in fostering an environment that is conducive to the creation of jobs and wealth to the benefit of society. Freedom of association stands as a fundamental pillar for ensuring that employers' organisations operate with legitimacy, representativity, and credibility. Through social dialogue, employers' organisations can build consensus, prevent institutional erosion, and create an enabling environment for investment, productivity, and inclusive development. For social dialogue to be effective, employers' organisations must continue to be representative, independent, and autonomous actors which contribute to institutional stability and robust democratic processes.

About the consultancy:

The purpose of this consultancy is to support IOE and KAS Geneva in examining the role of employers' organisations as representative, independent and autonomous actors in cultivating effective social dialogue, strengthening institutional resilience, and contributing to enabling environments for sustainable enterprise development.

As part of this project, IOE will conduct a survey among its members to gather evidence and experiences regarding the exercise of freedom of association for employers, the challenges faced by employers' organisations in carrying out their representative functions, and their role in supporting constructive social dialogue in diverse national contexts.

Drawing on the survey results and complementary desk research, the consultant will be responsible for analysing the findings and preparing a report that identifies common trends, emerging challenges, good practices, and practical lessons from different regions. Particular attention should be given to the conditions that enable employers' organisations to operate effectively, maintain their representative legitimacy, and contribute to stable, predictable and inclusive governance systems.

The consultant will lead the analytical and drafting process in close collaboration with IOE and KAS Geneva. The final report should provide evidence-based insights and practical recommendations for employers' organisations seeking to strengthen their role as representative social partners and contributors to effective social dialogue and institutional resilience.

Expected outcomes:

The report should be between 15-20 pages and should:

• Evaluate regional experiences of IOE members regarding their freedom of association;
• Provide best practices on how employers can address interferences with freedom of association
• Provide practical recommendations to employers' organisations to strengthen the legitimacy and effectiveness of employers' organisations.

Some guiding questions to be addressed in the study could be:

• What is required for employers' organisations to strengthen their representative legitimacy and foster effective social dialogue in the current global context?
• What role can employers' organisations play in fragmented political systems to support democratic governance, social dialogue, and productive economies?
• How can freedom of association serve as a tool to promote stability, attract investment, and reinforce institutional resilience in challenging environments?

Timeline:

20 July 2026 to 17 August 2026

Location:

Home based/Remote

Competencies:

• Strong understanding of topics linked to enabling business environments, conducive investment climates, labour rights and related topics.
• Knowledge and experience of employers' and business organisations is a plus.
• Demonstrated experience in research, evidence synthesis or analytical review and experience in translating complex data points into practical insights.
• Experience drafting reports and documents, ideally for industry and business associations with a global audience
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English; working knowledge of French and Spanish is an asset but not mandatory.
• Ability to distil complex information clearly and concisely
• Good communication and ability to clearly structure inputs, feedback and comments as well as to efficiently handle versioning of documents

Additional information: The consultant will work independently and will address statutory contributions in their country of residence. He/She must be registered as an independent consultant in your country of residence, affiliated with a university, or working through a registered organisation/company to apply for this consultancy.

Funding: the total funding available is 6000 USD. Payment will be made upon submission of the deliverables.

Deadline for application:

13 July 2026

How to apply:

please send your CV and cover letter, listing your relevant experiences to [email protected] with the subject: IOEFREE

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